First-year medical students were welcomed with a ceremony commemorating the next step of their health careers. 

The White Coat Ceremony is a celebrated tradition that marks students' entry into medical school. In the presence of family, guests, and faculty members, students are welcomed into the medical community by leaders of the medical center and ceremonially "cloaked" with their white coat. Then, dressed in white, they stand to take the ancient Oath of Hippocrates, traditionally sworn at graduation.

Class Profile

First-year students

152 students beginning their medical education

  • 86 female
  • 66 male
  • 19 underrepresented in medicine
  • 32 languages spoken
  • 9 first-generation students
  • Mean age: 23

Residency

  • From 18 states
  • 103 Iowa residents
  • 77% Iowa-affiliated
  • 24 from rural backgrounds

Academics

  • Mean undergraduate GPA: 3.85
  • Median MCAT score: 514
  • 63 University of Iowa undergrads
  • 28 different undergraduate majors
  • 18 students with advanced degrees
  • 65 undergraduate institutions represented

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Tuesday, August 19, 2025